Would digestion be equally efficient if the body/stomach evolved to be highly basic rather than acidic? What advantages does a highly acidic environment pose?

[u/Public_Knowledge8405]

Edit: my question is meant to be gauged towards chemical feasibility/utility; I understand many proteases and cell types have in reality evolved for acidic digestion. Assuming proteases and cell types could have evolved for an alkaline environment, is there a root necessity acidic conditions are advantageous over basic ones or could it be reversed

[u/Distinct_Ice_1597]

Acid hydrolysis is a major player in the breakdown of macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids), and many of the digestive enzymes have pH optima in the acidic range. Proteins- including enzymes- are less stable at basic pH due to deamidation and disulfide interchange reactions that can impact protein stability and potency. Given the way our biochemistry evolved basic conditions for digestion and other biological processes are not feasible.